MP Letter

If you wish you can use or adapt the letter below:

Dear x

As you may know, the Government has refused to ban religious slaughter without prestunning, despite the recommendation of their own advisory body that they should do so. In view of the severe suffering caused to animals by slaughter without prestunning, I am asking you to support the campaign for action over this problem.

The Farm Animal Welfare Council’s Report on the Welfare of Farmed Animals at Slaughter or Killing (DEFRA 2003) covered every aspect of slaughter and among its recommendations was a complete ban on slaughter without prestunning, which is permitted under an exemption for Jewish and Muslim slaughter. FAWC wrote:

“We are persuaded that such a massive injury would result in very significant pain and distress in the period before insensibility supervenes.” (Para 195)

and that

“The scientific evidence shows that sheep become insensible within 5-7 seconds of the cut . . . adult cattle, however, may take between 22 and 40 seconds. This period may be extended . . . Work done on calves has shown a variation in period to insensibility from 10-120 seconds.” (Para 198)

They concluded:

“Council considers that slaughter without stunning is unacceptable and that the Government should repeal the current exemption.” (Para 201)

The Government has accepted the Council’s scientific conclusions but will not repeal the exemption. This is particularly disturbing as the basis for the exemption is that “unnecessary suffering” should not be caused. I recognise the sensitivity of this issue but believe the Government’s refusal to confront this serious welfare problem is inexcusable. In fact, over 90% of animals slaughtered for halal meat in the UK are now prestunned and all slaughter without prestunning has been banned in Norway, Sweden and New Zealand. Please support this campaign by  contacting Defra minister Lord Rooker MP to demand that the Government take immediate and meaningful action instead of sweeping this problem under the carpet in this shameful way.

I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely etc